News

Wales faces tough choices: Balancing essential services with tighter budgets

Published

2 years ago

December 20, 2023

“Despite economic hurdles, NHS and local government get a boost; other sectors brace for cuts.”

AS THE WELSH GOVERNMENT unveils its 2024-25 budget, a narrative of fiscal balancing emerges against a backdrop of economic challenges. The budget reveals a strategic emphasis on protecting crucial public services, particularly the NHS and local government, which have received a notable increase in funding. However, this move has necessitated reductions in other areas, illustrating the complex trade-offs in this period of financial austerity.

In a stark reflection of the current economic climate, the overall value of the Welsh budget has diminished by £1.3 billion since 2021. This decrease is attributed largely to a shortfall in expected funding from the UK Government, compounded by the pressures of inflation impacting public sector wages and energy costs. The NHS in Wales, a critical component of the Welsh public service sector, is a notable beneficiary in this budget, receiving an additional £450 million for 2024-25. This represents a significant 4% increase, far outpacing the less than 1% increase allocated to the NHS in England, and underscores the Welsh Government’s prioritization of healthcare even in times of financial stringency.

Local government, responsible for essential services such as schools, social care, and community infrastructure, is also set to benefit from a 3.1% increase in funding. This decision reaffirms the government’s commitment to maintaining vital community services. However, these funding boosts in certain areas have led to reductions in other departments. Rural Affairs is facing the most substantial cut, with a nearly 9% reduction in its budget. This will notably impact its rural investment program, although the Basic Payment Scheme for farmers is shielded from these cuts.

The Welsh Government has also chosen to maintain current income tax rates, considering the ongoing economic strain on its citizens. This decision reflects a sensitivity to the broader cost-of-living crisis affecting the population. Additionally, Finance Minister Rebecca Evans has indicated that the government might reevaluate charges for services such as NHS dental care and university tuition fees. These measures are being considered as potential sources of revenue in light of the budgetary constraints.

The UK Government, in its response, has emphasized the Welsh Government’s autonomy in its budgetary decisions, pointing out the role of the Barnett formula in ensuring fair funding. It also highlights the Welsh Government’s tax and borrowing powers, underscoring its ability to manage its financial resources.

Despite these financial challenges, the Welsh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis. This includes a substantial aid package for non-domestic ratepayers and the introduction of a new £20 million Future Proofing Fund for businesses. This budget, therefore, reflects a concerted effort by the Welsh Government to balance the need to safeguard essential public services with the realities of a constrained fiscal environment. It paints a picture of a government striving to make thoughtful, albeit difficult, choices in an era marked by economic uncertainty and austerity.

Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Local Government, said: “In an incredibly tough financial situation, we’ve re-shaped our spending plans so we can protect the core, frontline public services provided by local authorities like schools and social care.

“As I explained yesterday, our overall funding settlement is not sufficient to meet all pressures. This has meant taking difficult decisions elsewhere in the budget to honour our commitment to councils last year of a 3.1% rise in their funding for next year.

“I appreciate the pressures local government is facing and recognise that demand for services, along with the recent very high rates of inflation, mean local government will still need to make difficult decisions on services, efficiencies, and council tax in setting their budgets.

“We will continue to work closely together to face these shared challenges and strive to make the best use of the resources we have in order to make the most difference to the communities we serve.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.